Do you have a way to engage in the things you loved doing as a child? How would you feel if you did?
These last couple of months, I’ve decided to metaphorically weave some ‘art for art sake’ back into my life, making things like I did as a kid (just because), and working out my future direction intentionally. So I mindfully picked up a old strand from the web of my life, and have practically woven it into my present. Since I’m a huge fan of “meta” processes, including actual weaving into my mediums is an added satisfaction. Thank you Suzi Ballenger1 for making it possible for me to work in this way.
It’s been 30 years since I’ve submitted my art into a gallery setting, and yet today it feels like the most natural thing in the world to do. So I did.
The symbols are dense. A woven knife, made with my first ever loom-made fabric with a veil on top and stories behind.
Knives stand for Decisions, Decisiveness, Choice.
Veils & Textiles for Covering, Modesty, and Beguiling
Among other things, this piece ties together into a single work many forms of communication I’ve been utilizing for decades, including tapes, textiles, and found objects, graphic design, writing, coding about css-ing Musk to Mars, collage, true stories, feelings, spiritual seeking, and paint.
That’s because in a tapestry, you can’t describe a simple linear meaning, they all coalesce into a singular whole. Hopefully, something beautiful and real.
FOOTNOTES
- A huge shout out to Suzi Ballenger, who taught me how to weave on a loom. This process requires rhythm, counting and your entire body to work. Music, Embodiment, Color, Choice, and Meaning all in one place. Oh yes, and BEAUTY! Take a class or buy her fiber arts here. ↩︎ ↩︎
